Includes bibliographical references (pages 248-256) and index.
Introduction: the rationale of clinical trials -- The historical development of clinical trials -- Organization and planning -- The justification for randomized controlled trials -- Methods of randomization -- Binding and placebos -- Ethical issues -- Crossover trials -- The size of a clinical trial -- Monitoring trial progress -- Forms and data management -- Protocol deviations -- Basic principles of statistical analysis -- Further aspects of data analysis -- Publication and interpretation of findings.